While traveling in Vancouver last week we dined at West for a special occasion dinner and were very pleased. We had the Seafood Tasting Menu and the West Tasting Menu with the wine pairings and everything was absolutely delicious. Our favorites were theYUZU MARINATED VANCOUVER ISLAND OCTOPUS, BIODYNAMIC AGED RISOTTO WITH SPOT PRAWNS and TORTELLINI OF THIESSEN FARM QUAIL. My boyfriend doesn’t eat shellfish and they were very accommodating of substituting out dishes for him. The ambiance in the restaurant is very comfortable (open and airy) and the service is very good. Our server was a bit on the reserved side but otherwise pleasant and helpful. The food is pricey but well worth it. Plan to spend a couple of hours indulging!

West Restaurant-Vancouver.
by Dionc on Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:20 am

I was expecting much from West, based on the awards etc they have won, and was disappointed. The food was mediocre. Visually pleasing, but ultimately, and I hate to use the word, bland. The chicken/kalamata olive starter was tasteless, while the sablefish ravioli was reasonable at best.The Salmon main meal was undercooked with barely any flavour, while the beef was easily the best dish of the night. Desserts were average at best. Won't return.
As for the service, there is a fine line between good and excellent service. I really dont need 4 different servers, 10 times at a sitting. At times it felt intrusive. Definitely won't return and do not understand what all the fuss is about.